James goes into great detail about our habits and how we can change our habits using four simple rules when it comes to habit making:

Make it obvious

Make it attractive

Make it easy

Make it satisfying

When we have one or all four of these elements it’s easier to change our habits and ultimately change our lives.

Tiny changes. Remarkable results.

That is the whole premise of the book. That if we make small changes, overtime our lives will change remarkable. It sounds so simple and I think that it really is.

While I was reading Atomic Habits, I started looking at some of my own habits that I want to change. For example, I often scroll on Instagram or Facebook while in the bathroom (this is a really gross habit but I know we all do it. At least tell me I’m not the only one.) Anyway. I wanted to change this habit. I made it inconvenient to scroll through social media while in the bathroom by leaving my phone in a different room.

I’ve got books in my bathroom and I picked up one of those instead (still a little weird, but as of late the bathroom has been the place I go to take a break if Von isn’t napping, but instead of sitting on the floor with my phone, I read) having a book in the bathroom makes it an easy option for when I need that break (or if I just want to read) then I can.

Another habit I’ve been working on is working out in the morning.

This is so tough for me.

I want to be healthy and active and yet… I love my bed and I can’t seem to work out longer than a few days at a time.

So I started implementing one of the techniques from Atomic Habits which is to do something for just two minutes. I started with getting up and getting in my work out clothes. (Habit stacking) Now getting up > putting on workout clothes is part of my morning routine. Then I do two minutes of moving. Jumping jacks, push ups, sit ups, etc. I want to get back into the fitness program that I paid for, but I need to make getting up and moving a habit first, so that it’s easier to do for longer.

Small changes really do make a difference

I loved Atomic Habits, I loved how easy it makes habit changes (it’s still hard to do, but the concept is simple and easy). I’ve already seen in my own life how small changes make a huge difference. Writing for ten minutes today means that I’m that much further along in my novel than if I hadn’t written any words at all.

I really recommend Atomic Habits. I think that it’s a great book for anyone who’s been wanting to change your life or your habits but has been unsure of where to start. 5/5 stars.

About Atomic Habits

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:* make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);* overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;* design your environment to make success easier;* get back on track when you fall off course;...and much more.

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits--whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.

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